Category: Kids

A minimalist capsule wardrobe for my daughter isn’t a political statement or something I learned from a well dressed Japanese woman. My 4-year-old is a force of nature (I’m pretty sure I have used those exact words on here many times to describe her). We call her Hurricane Celeste because you will know if she has blown through a room. Her clothing needs are utilitarian.

After 14 years of working for an airline and 3 kids, I have learned a lot about traveling as a family. Don’t do it. You’re welcome.

Oh, you still want to do it? Fine, I will share the wisdom I have learned from all the mistakes I have made. This is a brief overview of the easiest things you can do to have a great travel experience. In the future, I will go into more depth because I could (and maybe should?!) write a book about this.

Sensory bins are a huge deal in our house. I have versions for my baby and preschooler but today lets focus on the preschooler. My 4-year-old is a force of nature. Her nickname is Hurricane and she lives up to that name. However, even though (or perhaps because) she has enough energy for 3 children, she benefits so much from downtime. It helps calm her mind and refocus. It is like a mini recharge station for her mind and senses.

After having two girls I am having so much fun shopping for a little boy! My second daughter has only really worn hand me downs so I haven’t really been shopping for YEARS. Also, now that my little man is walking I can really step up his style.

Now that I have an 11 and 4-year-old I know that the time I am allowed to dress my kids is very short. In no time at all, he will express his own interests. He will be demanding orange over blue, dinosaurs over dogs, and Spiderman over Batman.

In all the years I’ve been a Mom I have never been great at saying yes. Obviously, from time to time I “let loose” and give in to whatever they request but it is never easy for me.

You see, I am the keeper of the tribe. The CEO, the healer, the accountant, the supervisor, the nourisher, the mender, and the entertainer. I keep a close watch on everything and carry the weight of it all. I don’t know how or why it is this way but it just is. From what I see around me and from past generations it is not an uncommon phenomenon for the Mother to lead in this way.